Why the "Basket of Deplorables" Comment is So Disturbing

Much of the media's time has been spent belittling Hillary Clinton's health issues. And many on the internet are having a lot of fun with Hillary Clinton's "basket of deplorables" comment. But I just don't want it to get lost how terrible her comments truly are.

Here you have a woman who may be the most powerful person on the planet clearly and intentionally dehumanizing a quarter of the population of the country she wishes to lead. That kind of thing has a terrible history. One must only look at the body count in the 20th century at the hands of powerful leaders who dehumanized large segments of their population.

Dehumanization intentionally strips a person’s human traits and reduces them to a lesser value than others. It deliberately degrades individuals by taking away their individuality such as putting them in a "basket." Political leaders often portray these people as enemies of progress, and as less than human and perhaps even worthy of punishment. Leaders will often pick their targets of dehumanization as objects to hate and therefore any and all actions against them are considered morally justifiable.

And when something like that is said by the party that supports abortion and euthanasia, it's especially worrisome.

I wonder if those considered in the basket of deplorables are a "population we don't want to have too many of" to borrow a phrase from Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

In short, when the leader of the party that supports abortion and euthanasia begins dehumanizing 1/4 of the population, it's wise to pay attention.